“Alright, fine.”

What have I gotten myself into with this one?

BY THE TIME I step into the shower, Coen’s tall, muscular, tattooed body is covered in soap suds. He’s fast. It’s probably best we didn’t shower together, anyways. I’m mesmerized watching him run his hands through his wet hair, over his arms and down his body. Last night was so unlike me. Sleeping with a man I just met and agreeing to spend the night with him. But it was the best sex I’ve had in a long time. We were so in tune with each other. I need to prepare myself for the fact that this, he and I, may never happen again. But I’ve never felt this safe with someone before. I’ve never felt like half of my soul was walking around outside of my body. He treats me like an equal. He knows I can stand up for myself, yet he still wants to protect me. And I have no idea why he does, but I’m going to enjoy it while I can, because once I step foot out of his car later, I’ll be on my own. I’m not sure I even remember what that’s like. Being on my own.

He rinses off and steps out to grab a towel that’s sitting beside the sink. He gives me a soft smile and a wink as he starts wraps the towel around his waist. “I know I’m fucking sexy as hell, Lex, but get that sweet ass of your in the shower or we’ll both be late.”

My cheeks feel flush, and I realize I’ve been staring. As I pull off my shirt, I feel a sharp sting. “Hey!” I screech. Coen slapped me on the ass. He laughs as he walks past me, shutting the door behind him.

“Five minutes, Lexi.” I hear him shout from the hallway. Stepping into the shower, it dawns on me. I’m going to be using his soap and shampoo. This means I’m going to smell like him all day. I’m not making this any easier on myself.

I shower and dress as fast as I can. By the time I get back to Coen’s bedroom, he’s not there. I continue down the stairs. “Coen? Where are you?” I can hear shuffling around.

“In here, Sweet Cheeks.” I follow the sound of his voice to the kitchen. He’s standing next to the gray marble top counter wearing jeans that are slightly worn, a pair of black Chucks, and a black t-shirt. Two small glasses of orange juice sit in front of him along with two bananas, one for each of us. “Sorry, I don’t normally have company in the mornings. This is the best I can do for a quick breakfast.” He grimaces and shrugs.

“This is great, Coen. Thank you.” I peel one of the bananas and take a bite. “I don’t normally eat much in the mornings, anyways. I’m usually in too much of a rush to get out of the house,” I say through a mouthful.

He smirks and slowly shakes his head. His green eyes are wide with amusement. “Jesus, Lex.” He takes my face in his hands and places his forehead against mine, closing his eyes. And then he starts to laugh.

I pull away, looking at him like he’s crazy. “What the hell is so funny? Have you lost your damn mind? I don’t think you got enough sleep last night.”

His laughter fades quickly, and he pulls my face closer to his again. Our lips are almost touching, and I can feel his breath on my face. His eyes lock onto mine as he brushes his thumb softly over my bottom lip.

“You’re just so fucking beautiful, Lexi, even when you’re talking with your mouth full of food.” He tucks a loose strand of hair behind my ear. “You’re beautiful while getting a tattoo, never flinching once. You’re beautiful while you’re singing at the top of your lungs, shaking that amazingly perfect ass of yours and cleaning your badass car. You’re beautiful all hot and sweaty after racing. You’re beautiful when you’re naked in my bed.” He presses his lips against mine, deep and passionate, and then suddenly pulls away. Turning his back to me, he walks over and grips the edge of the sink. “Fuck, Lex!” I jump from the sudden change in his volume. “I just…you…” He sighs. “I can’t promise you a relationship, Lexi, but I need to see you again. I can’t explain it right now, but I’m so drawn to you. I’m starting to believe we were meant to cross paths yesterday.”

I sit down on the bar stool at the counter and rest my head on my hand. “Coen…I’m not really sure what to say right now. No one’s ever said anything like that to me before.”

He turns around, eyes toward the floor. “Well, we can talk more in the car. We have to get going. It’s almost seven, and I still have to drop you off at work. Queen Sarah will be blowing up my phone if I’m not there soon.”

The car ride is silent for the first few minutes. Coen’s gripping the steering wheel hard like he’s upset, although I’m not really sure with whom. He checks his mirrors and plays with the radio at every red light.

“Coen…last night, yesterday, was the most amazing day I’ve had in so long. I can’t remember the last time I was so spontaneous. You’re bringing out a side of me that I haven’t seen in years. I’ve missed this part of me. And the sex was…” I blush and look out the window. “I haven’t been treated that well in a long time, Coen. You make me feel like an equal and you make me feel safe. I don’t want those feelings or this part of me to go away again.”

Coen glances over at me and smiles just before we pull into the restaurant parking lot. He stops and puts the car in park. “Give me your phone.” He holds out his hand, waiting.

“Where’s yours?” I ask, looking at him confused. I just told him how I felt and he wants my phone?

“In my pocket. I want to put my number in your phone. Please?” he asks, raising his eyebrows in question. I reach into my purse, grab my phone, and place it in his hand. He quickly adds his number and hands it back with a devilish grin. “Text me any time. Day or night,” he says as I start to get out of the car. “Wait.” He gets out and jogs over to my side before I’m completely out. He grabs my hand and pulls me to him, crushing his lips to mine and grabbing my ass in a kiss so deep that I moan into the back of his throat. I’m pretty sure my toes are actually curling. Wow!

He forces himself to pull away and tries to catch his breath. “Actually, text me later on your break.” He swats me on the ass and runs back around to his side of the car. I shut the door and smile, shaking my head in disbelief.

Where has this man been all my life?

He stops just before he gets back in. “What are you doing to me, Lexi Taylor?” He gets in the car and rolls down the passenger window for me to poke my head inside.

“I could say the same to you, Coen Walker.” I back away and smile as I blow him a kiss. And he drives away.

The restaurant has been slow today. Normally we’re so busy on Saturdays that we barely have time to sit down for a break. Our regulars must be trying out the new bistro on the other side of town. My co-worker, Jo, is waiting on the last few tables of the night, and I’m just finishing rolling up the last of the clean silverware when I get a text alert.

Coen: Hey, Sweet Cheeks, how’s work?

Me: Slow. Boring. How’d things go at your aunt’s?

Coen: Ugh. About as well as expected.

Me: Sorry. Big plans tonight?

Coen: Sadly, no. I get off at the race track at 7. After that I’ll probably go home, strip down to my underwear, and maybe watch a movie. Exciting, right?

Me: Sounds like a great idea to me. Want some company?

Coen: Who did you have in mind?

Oh, he thinks he’s so funny. And God, it’s so damn cute.

Me: Very funny.

Coen: Haha! Just kidding, beautiful! What time do you get off? I’ll pick you up. You don’t have a ride home anyways, remember?

Me: I get off at 5. I’ll have Jo take me home so I can properly shower, and you can pick me up from my place when you get off. Sound good?